28 Montréal musts for geeks and gamers

Annual geek events and conventions in Montréal 

1. Montréal Comiccon (annually in July)

Going strong for over 15 years, Montréal Comiccon unites thousands of pop culture, comic, and superhero fans every summer. Featuring an extensive programming line-up that includes a massive exhibition hall, workshops, panels, film screenings, costume contests, and more, this is your chance to dress up as your alter ego, load up on merch, and meet some of the biggest stars of the genre.

2. Comic Arts Festival (annually in May)

A celebration of all things comics and comic arts, every May this free street festival turns a swath of Saint Denis Street into a geeky block party. Bringing together an international crowd of publishers, comic creators and comic appreciators through exhibitions, panels, drawing and reading workshops, book signings, and more, the Comic Arts Festival is the largest of its kind in Canada, having attracted 80,000 attendees in 2023! With a mission to democratize comics while building bridges between the local and international comics scenes, this outdoor fest is an opportunity to geek-out over your favourite comics while also discovering something new. 

3. Otakuthon, Anime Convention (annually in August)

As one of the most popular anime conventions in Montréal  and the second largest anime convention in Canada — having boasted an impressive 35,309 attendees in 2023 — Otakuthon brings together anime and manga-lovers from all over the world. Never tried cosplay before? After this magical and beautifully run event, you’ll be smitten.

4. Fantasia International Film Festival (annually in July)

Founded in 1996, the Fantasia International Film Festival is an internationally acclaimed genre film-fest, where “B movies” are elevated and celebrated in their own right by an audience made up of fans and professionals from across the film industry. Known for generating buzz around lesser-known, low-budget commercial films in the sci-fi, fantasy, and horror genres, Fantasia also showcases the imaginative cinema of Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Come for the zombies, vampires, and aliens, and stay for the fun atmosphere and panels and Q&A’s with some of genre film’s biggest stars. You never know — you might be one of the first to see the next breakthrough horror film!

5. Lan ETS (annually in June)

Organized by students from Montréal’s École de technologie supérieure, Lan ETS is the biggest Lan Party of North America's east coast featuring cosplay, scavenger hunts, exhibitions, and multi-genre gaming tournaments. Each year more than 1000 gamers compete for over $30,000 in prize money.

Year-round things to do in Montréal for geeks and gamers 

Comic book and manga shops in Montréal 

6. Bookstore tour

Can’t get enough comics? For new and old collectors alike, Montréal is proud home to a number of long-standing, independent brick and mortar comic shops, the oldest of which have been around for more than 30 years. Conveniently located around the city, no comic book store tour of Montréal would be complete without stops at 100000 Comix, Capitaine Québec, Comic Hunter, Crossover Comics, Drawn and Quarterly, Komico, Millenium Comics, and Planète BD, to name a few.

Geeky stores and trading card games shops 

7. Geek & Co. 

Canadian gaming and geek online store, Geek & Co’s only brick and mortar location can be found in Montréal’s Cote-St-Luc neighbourhood. Specializing in Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering and other trading card games, they also sell sports cards and a large selection of manga, comics, collectibles and geeky gifts.

8. Geeky stores with in-person events

Looking to stock up on TCG’s (trading card games), while also enjoying some live action play with the locals? Game Keeper Verdun, Chez Geeks, and Face to Face Games all host daily and weekly meet-ups where you can play Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Digimon, Dragonball, Commander, and much more.

Board game cafés and pubs in Montréal 

9. Randolph Pub Ludique Rosemont and Randolph Gaming Pub Quartier Latin  

Whether it’s date night or an evening out as a group ,  Randolph Pub Ludique Rosemont and its sister location, Randolph Gaming Pub Quartier Latin, have got you covered with their  selection of over 1,500 games and fun, social atmosphere. Each nestled in an artsy Montréal’s borough, these 18+ neighbourhood mainstays serve up comfort food, microbrews, and cocktails, all alongside its perfect mix of classic and contemporary board games. A small fee not only grants you access to unlimited games but also to the expertise of Randolph’s Gaming Hosts who’ll both give you personalized game recommendations and explain the rules — no reading required. Whatever the game, you really can’t lose with Randolph.

10. L'Adversaire - Pub Ludique

With a huge selection of board games to play while nibbling on nachos and sipping a microbrew, an evening out at L'Adversaire is guaranteed fun. And, with its wide variety of retro video games and controllers, you’ll soon find yourself awash with nostalgia. 

11. Colonel Moutarde 

Located in the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal, Colonel Moutarde caters to foodies and cocktail aficionados who like their artisanal mac ‘n’ cheese paired with a side of Clue. With over 500 games to choose from, regular quiz nights, and gaming advisors known as ‘gaming sommeliers,’ this cozy spot is hard to beat. 

Arcades and gaming lounges in Montréal 

12. ARcade 

ARcade, a multiplayer, augmented reality experience at the Casino de Montréal uses projections and motion detection to transform two dance floors into interactive game boards where players use their bodies as the controllers. With no screens or headsets required, this immersive 18+ group activity is perfect for a fun night out with friends. Featuring a bar and more than 20 additional games, spectators can cheer on the players as they await their turn on the floor, and players can quench their thirst post-match with cocktails from a specialty menu, all while enjoying music sets from local DJs. Get ready to party: ARcade is open late during the week and until 3 am Friday and Saturday nights.

13. Playbox Centre 

Conveniently located in Downtown Montréal’s Centre Eaton, the Playbox Centre hosts a smorgasbord of popular crane, arcade, and skill games, as well as VR attractions. Set in a fun atmosphere, Playbox Centre provides endless hours of entertainment for the whole family only minutes away from some of the best shopping the city has to offer.

14. Arcade MTL

The first Montréal bar devoted exclusively to gaming, Arcade MTL hosts frequent tournaments with games like Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart. With a great selection of retro arcades from Galaga to Marvel vs. Capcom, the bar also crafts themed cocktails such as the Princess Peach and Donkey Cogne.

15. Amusement 2000 Plus

Step into the authentic arcade ambiance of Amusement 2000 Plus and relive your childhood. With tons of games to choose from, including classics like Dance Dance Revolution, as well as more recent selections, you might not notice the time flying by, but who cares? This all-ages arcade is open into the wee hours of the morning.

16. The Rec Room

The Rec Room is a massive, nearly 30,000-square-foot playground for adults and families that combines classic and state-of-the-art arcade games with a huge lineup of recreational activities, a full-service restaurant, bar, and live entertainment. Located in the glamorous Royalmount Mall, it's easily accessible by metro and steps from shopping, movies, and much more. Whether you're looking to unleash your inner warrior at axe throwing, live out your LOTR fantasy at archery, or challenge your crew to bowling, shuffleboard, ping pong, or pool, there's something for every kind of competitor. For a next-level experience, step into QBIX, a multi-sensory gaming adventure with interactive walls, wind blasts, and a motion floor that puts you at the heart of the action. Feeling nostalgic? The arcade floor features everything from Pac-Man and Mario Kart to the latest VR experiences and prize games.

Laser tag in Montréal

17. Laser Game Évolution (Marché Central) and Laser Game Évolution (Ste-Catherine)

With two convenient Montréal locations, Laser Game Évolution (Marché Central) and Laser Game Évolution (Ste-Catherine) both offer heart-pumping laser tag fun for all ages in dark, multi-level mazes designed to get your adrenaline racing. Using 100% safe laser technology, teams of six or more don coloured vests and have 20 minutes to tag as many opponents as possible. Choose from game modes like Capture the Flag, Shogun, and the werewolf-themed Lycans and Invasion for added fun. Perfect for kids' birthday parties, corporate team-building, end-of-year celebrations, or a night out with friends. 

Esports bars and gaming lounges in Montréal 

18. Meltdown ESports bar

Located in the heart of the Quartier Latin, Meltdown ESports bar brings the party by offering a little something for everyone in a lively atmosphere: esport matches on TVs, Gaming PCs, console games, weekly events and competitions and signature gaming-themed cocktails. Come to meet your favourite streamer and stay for a friendly Mario Kart or Street Fighter battle. You can even take part in tournaments with other Meltdown bars around the world.

19. Nemesis Video Game Lounge

If you're looking to game on Montréal's West Island, Nemesis Video Game Lounge in Pointe-Claire has you covered. Featuring a VR arena, high-end gaming PCs and consoles, and a relaxed atmosphere, it's great for casual hangouts, group outings and birthday parties. 

VR experiences in Montréal

20. Horizon GT

Horizon GT is a racing simulation centre on Rue de la Montagne in downtown Montréal where you can get behind the wheel of a high-performance car, no licence required. With GT, VR, and Hero simulators, you'll experience world-famous circuits in an ultra-realistic setting that appeals to both serious racing fans and newcomers looking for a fun outing. It's also a popular choice for corporate events and group bookings, with packages that bring some friendly competition to team gatherings.

21. Zero Latency 

Located not far from Plaza St-Hubert and Jean Talon Market in Montréal’s Petite-Patrie neighbourhood, Zero Latency will take your VR experience to the next level with its 200 square-meter space designed to allow players to move freely while immersed in an ultra-realistic virtual environment. With a library of 6 award-winning games to choose from, you and your friends can work together to fight zombies, challenge the laws of physics, or fight in a post-apocalyptic battle — the choice is yours. 

Escape rooms in Montréal 

22. Échappe-toi Montréal

Québec's first ever escape game center, Échappe-toi Montréal, opened its doors in 2014. Featuring original scenarios that celebrate Québec's unique history, professional actors guide players through each experience. With 9 game rooms, including "The Fantom of the Forum" where you'll work together to reclaim the Montréal Canadiens' torch and free the ghosts of the Forum, each room tells a distinctly Montréal story. Perfect for families, school trips, corporate team-building, and bachelor or bachelorette parties, Échappe-toi offers something for everyone, with adventures for all types of groups and ages, offered in both English and French.

23. A/Maze Escape Game (Atwater)

Housed in a former machinery warehouse downtown, A/Maze Escape Game (Atwater) integrates its gritty, industrial architecture with specially designed lighting and soundscapes for a full-on immersive experience. With 5 distinct games, including the outdoor escape scenario, “The Secret of The Lachine Canal,” where you’ll test your mental mettle in order to find a hidden fortune. A/Maze is great for groups of all sizes and can accommodate up to 55 people, with group packages guaranteed to challenge and excite. Available in both English and French.

24. A/Maze Escape Game (Old Port) & Cocktail Bar Inventions

Step into Montréal's most sophisticated escape room experience in the heart of Old Port! Set inside the stunning steampunk-inspired Inventions Cocktail Bar, A/Maze Escape Game (Old Port) blends Victorian mystery with modern cocktail culture. Choose from "Tesla's Enigmas" in the inventor's abandoned study, "Dead Man's Chest" in the lobby, or "Secrets of a Shipping Empire," an outdoor treasure hunt through 19th-century Old Montréal. Accommodating up to 25 people, it's perfect for corporate happy hour gatherings and stylish celebrations. After solving puzzles, unwind with handcrafted cocktails like the Radioactive Sour. Fully bilingual in French and English, 18+.

25. Vortex Montréal (Plateau) and Vortex Montréal (Quartier Latin)

Transport yourself to fantastical worlds with Vortex Montréal's five distinct adventures, like "Dragon's Prophecy," an escape room challenge where you’ll need to stop the evil Meroveus in a magical medieval setting and "Tempus Evadere" where you’ll race against time to stop a hidden clock that’s counting down to the end of humanity. Each 60-minute immersive experience takes place in a realistic setting where Game Masters provide hints but leave the problem solving up to you. For  2-6 players and great for families and small groups, with two convenient locations in the vibrant Plateau and Quartier Latin. Available in both French and English.

26. BoulZeye, Pub et Attractions

BoulZeye, Pub et Attractions delivers four riveting escape room experiences that transport players to different worlds. "Antidote" has you stopping rogue chemical weapons specialist Dr. Walter Brandt, while "Budapest Express" takes you aboard a 1931 trans-European train for murder mystery solving. "Th3 C0d3" begins with a 2015 Anonymous-style news bulletin and "Murder at the Manor" sees you solving your grandfather's murder in 1999 Scottish Highlands. Available seven days a week in both French and English, these escape rooms are part of Québec's largest multi-level laser tag arena, BoulZeye, which also features 16 bowling lanes, and a lively resto-pub. Groups of 2+ with at least one adult present.

Axe throwing in Montréal

27. Rage Axe Throwing

Unleash your inner warrior at Rage Axe Throwing, located on Atateken Street in Montréal's vibrant Village neighbourhood. Open to all skill levels, a round of axe throwing is great for bachelor and bachelorette parties, team-building events, family outings, or even a unique date night. With 60 and 90 minute sessions available for groups of up to 20, you'll enjoy a private target and personalized coaching from experienced instructors who'll have you throwing like a pro. Try your hand at different types of axes and even knives in the extended session!

Immersive quiz games in Montréal

28. Quiz Room (Downtown and Le Plateau)

Quiz Room brings the game show experience to life with two Montréal locations: Quiz Room - Downtown and Quiz Room - Le Plateau. Canada's first immersive trivia concept, it puts you and your team behind buzzers at individual podiums, competing through rounds of questions in a TV-style setting. With quizzes ranging from general knowledge to music, plus a kids' version for ages 8 to 12, it works for groups of all ages and skill levels. Rooms accommodate 4 to 18 players, with the option to book multiple rooms for larger parties. Whether it's a birthday, bachelor or bachelorette celebration, or a team-building outing, Quiz Room offers a fun, low-pressure way to get competitive.

Whether you're hunting for the best things to do in Montréal for gamers and geeks, planning a birthday party, or organizing a team-building outing, we’ve got you covered. From world-class anime conventions and comic festivals to board game cafés, esports bars, retro arcades, and cutting-edge VR experiences, Montréal's geek scene has something for everyone.